The property picture
Four developments shaping the market today.
Prime London offices, mortgage pricing, institutional renting and a more selective Dubai market — the key property developments Goldman & Co is watching today.
Prime London offices are still commanding serious rents
Helical says FGS Global has agreed to take 23,887 sq ft across three floors at Brettenham House, WC2, on a 10-year lease beginning in January 2027. The landlord reports rents above £140 per sq ft on the best space and strong interest in the remaining accommodation.
Goldman view: central London offices remain highly segmented. Best-in-class buildings in strong locations are continuing to attract occupiers at premium rents even while weaker secondary stock faces a more difficult market.
Nationwide changes selected mortgage rates today
Nationwide has made selected changes across its existing-business mortgage ranges effective 23 October. The move is a reminder that lender pricing continues to adjust independently of the Bank of England timetable, so buyers should not assume mortgage costs will move in a straight line.
Goldman view: mortgage position should be established before a buyer enters serious negotiation. Small changes in pricing can materially alter monthly costs and purchasing power on larger London loans.
Source: Nationwide for Intermediaries, effective 23 October 2026
485 new rental homes arrive at Elephant & Castle
Get Living has launched Elephant Quarter as part of its £500m redevelopment at Elephant & Castle. The scheme brings 485 rental homes, with London Living Rent homes from £1,398 per month and private one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments starting from £2,950 and £3,550 per month respectively.
Goldman view: professionally managed Build-to-Rent is becoming a stronger competitor to traditional private landlords. Service, amenity and presentation increasingly influence what tenants are prepared to pay.
Source: Get Living, 21 October 2026
Dubai residential prices show a more divided market
The independent Ux index, using Dubai Land Department records, reports AED 1,708 per sq ft on 23 October: down 0.1% monthly and 0.7% annually. The ready-home resale index stands at AED 1,378; villas of 350 sq m or more are 5.3% higher annually.
Goldman view: broad “Dubai market” headlines are becoming less useful. Buyers should compare completed apartments, off-plan stock, townhouses and villas separately and rely on project-level transaction evidence rather than general market claims.
Source: Ux Dubai Sale Price Index, based on DLD transaction records, 23 October 2026
